Travel and Vacations

Travel Destination: Attractions in Llandudno, North Wales

Story Published on September 23, 2008 ⋅  Email this Story ⋅  Print this Story ⋅ Post a comment ⋅

As North Wales premier tourist resort Llandudno has lots of great attractions from the Victorian Pier to the Great Orme cable car. The town is beautifully framed by the Great Orme and offers lots of things to do whatever the weather. Take a walk along the curving promenade or enjoy a show in Venue Cymru, north Wales largest theatre.

The Great Orme has a number of wonderful attractions whatever your age. Take a ride to the summit on the Great Orme Tramway, a truly relaxing journey as it climbs towards the summit. The Great Orme tramway is over 100 years old and rises steeply on the lower part of its journey before you change at the half way station. The upper part of the journey is more level and offers spectacular views across this wonderful mountain as well as passing the Great Orme Copper Mines.

Located on the upper slopes of the Great Orme is the Great Orme Copper Mine which is over 4000 years old. The mines were discovered around 20 years ago and have become a major tourist attraction showing a fascinating insight into the history of Llandudno’s earliest settlers. Visitors can take a trip into the tunnels and and learn how ancient man chiselled copper from the rocks by hand.

The Great Orme Summit Complex consists of a variety of attractions from a bar and restaurant to the Great Orme Visitor centre. The summit is the terminus for both the Great Orme Tramway and the Great Orme Cable Car and on a clear day you can see Snowdonia and Anglesey.

The upper terminal of the Great Orme Cable Car is at the summit. Get onboard for some terriffic views of the Orme as you journey back towards the town centre. On the way you pass over Ski Llandudno, North Wales biggest dry ski slope and toboggan run. Further down grab your camera for some great pictures of Llandudno Bay and promenade.

For the fit one of Llandudno’s best acitivities is its dry ski slope Ski Llandudno. At over 200 metres the slope is the longest in North Wales and is suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. Take a ride on the toboggan run as it races through the twists and turns towards the bottom. The toboggan is suitable for mot ages although young children should be accompanied by an adult. Afterwards enjoy a relaxing drink and meal in the Alpine Ski Lodge.

At the foot of the Great Orme is Happy Valley which certainly fulfills its name. The valley is a wonderful place to sit back and relax on the large lower field or you can walk amongst the ornamental gardens above. You can see wonderful views of Llandudno Pier from Happy Valley whilst enjoying a cold drink or food from the nearby cafe.

The Victorian Pier at Llandudno is the longest in Wales and fifth longest in the United Kingdom. The pier was built over 100 years ago and extends out from the shore for over 2295ft. On the way you pass fun rides for the children and small stalls as well as the men fishing before reaching the Pier head. Take your camera for the pier has some great views of Llandudno Bay and Great Orme.

Venue Cymru is one of Llandudno’s premier attractions and is a regular host to concerts and shows. The recently added restaurant overlooks the promenade and is a great place to eat before the show. The conference centre and theatre are the largest in North Wales and hold regular events and exhibitions.

A trip to Llandudno would not be complete without a walk along the beautiful Victorian promenade. The promenade is lined with top quality hotels from the northern pier end almost all the way to the Little Orme in the distance. The promenade is wide enough to walk along without fear of dodging the crowds and of course leads onto Llandudno’s north shore beach which is another great place for the family to relax.

At the southern end of Llandudno’s promenade is Bodafon Farm Park and North Wales Bird Trust. The farm is open to the public allowing you to get up close and personal with the animals. It’s a great place for the kids and after the farm animals take a look around the recently opened North Wales Bird sanctuary with many different species including both birds of prey and more tropical varieties.

Llandudno is Wales largest tourist resort and has hundreds of hotels and guest houses to choose from whether you’re looking for high class luxury or something a little more simple. The most popular hotels are located on the Victorian promenade that curves gently along the bay looking out towards the Irish Sea. Further back from the promenade are hundreds of guest houses offering wonderful excellent rooms at very reasonable prices.

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